Get Listed on Google

Here is a question from my bag of Internet FAQs. “How do I get my web site listed at Google?”  a more geeky version is “how to I get Google to index my web site?” When they “index” your site they review all of the content of your site and add this info to their database so that when someone searches they can deliver relevant content. Hopefully your web site.

Just in: according to Compete.com Google is now getting 1 in 8 page views. This means 13% of web site views are Google. Let’s get you listed at Google.

1. Submit to Google.
   This is free and quick way it submit your site directly using their “Add URL” page. The page allows you to add as many sites as you’d like. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t add all of the pages to it’s index. Additionally they don’t guarantee when or if they will ever check out your site. This is very popular way to attempt to get listed, but I recommend you read on….
2. Submit to Yahoo! and the ODP (DMOZ.org)
   The second way is to submit your site to the Yahoo! Directory and/or ODP. Years ago (remember the 90s?) Yahoo!’s free submission service worked very nicely and the directory was very useful.They then created a paid submission service. This created a barrier that resulted in less web sites being submitted and thus a less comprehensive tool. The “Directory Submit” was a one time fee to get listed.

   Today however they charge $299/year. Consequently I no longer recommend using the paid tool. You can submit to the free service, but don’t hold your breath waiting to get listed.

   Another directory to consider getting listed with the the Open Directory Project. This free directory is owned by AOL/Netscape. It takes some time to get listed, but getting in the back door of AOL can help you get listed with Google.

3. Get Linked to from a Google Friendly site.
   The Google preferred method is for them to find you. Google is much more impressed by your web site if other sites that they already have indexed link to you.The more popular the site linking to you the better. Do some research to find who links to your competitor and ask them to link to you.

   Our BLOG has become popular site that is very effective for launching web sites. Google visits our site virtually everyday looking for fresh content. This allows us to get clients listed in less than a week after a new site is launched. Getting one popular site to link to you is good. Getting more is even better. This is why It can be worth it for you to take some time with Yahoo! and ODP.

4. Advertise
   Funny thing. Google advertisers seem to be automatically added to Google.Setting up a Google Adwords account and setting up a budget of $30/month or more seems to work wonders for getting listed very quickly as well. Tip: Before you jump into Adwords give me a call, I can get you $50 in Google money to get you started.

Today we’ve discussed 4 ways to get listed with Google. For best results I recommend a combination approach of the above and stay clear of Submit to Google, the thought is if no one else knows about you they are not terribly interested either.

Go get listed! Now your site has a fighting chance to be found!

Don’t forget the Map
The Map results show at near the top of the page for local searches. The Map is independent of your regular listing and advertising. You actually don’t even need a web site to get listed on the Map.

You are listed, Now What?
It is good to be indexed at Google, but that doesn’t mean people are going to find you. Your site should be built with Search Engine Optimization in mind. The bottom line is that – Google wants to give relevant results. If you want to be found give them content that talks about what you think people will search for. SEO is crucial for your web sites success. If you have the time and desire, you can research the best way to optimize your site or consult with an expert to build and grow your site in a way that moves you to the top.
~:-)

Oscar Myre IV is the owner and Creative Director of omOriginals Marketing! If your business has web development, social marketing or internet marketing questions or want some help with plans, please stop by or give us a buzz at the studio: 360.575.9839 or online @ omOriginals.com